Welcome! If you've ever wondered how long to cook pork in your Instant Pot, you're in the right place. Today, I'm sharing a go-to method that works for pork shoulder, chops, and tenderloin – with exact times and temperatures so you get perfect results every time.
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This guide isn't just about times; it's about understanding why they work. We'll use a simple, delicious recipe for a pork roast that's fall-apart tender, and I'll give you a handy chart for other cuts. No more dry, tough pork – promise!
Let's get that Instant Pot bubbling and make weeknight dinners a breeze.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
2-3 lb (900g-1.4kg) pork shoulder (or butt), cut into 2-inch chunks
Great for stews and pulled pork. Substitute with pork loin (cut into 1-inch pieces) but reduce cook time to 20 minutes.
1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
For searing. Use any neutral oil like canola or avocado.
1 cup (240ml) chicken broth (low-sodium)
Adds flavor and liquid for pressure. Use vegetable broth or water if needed.
3 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh is best. Substitute 1/2 tsp garlic powder.
1 tsp (2g) smoked paprika
Adds smoky depth. Try regular paprika or chili powder.
1 tsp (2g) ground cumin
Earthy and warm. Omit if you don't have it.
1/2 tsp (1g) salt
Adjust to taste. Use kosher salt if you prefer.
1/4 tsp (0.5g) black pepper
Freshly ground is best.
1 tbsp (15ml) apple cider vinegar
Brightens flavors. Use white vinegar or lemon juice.
Tips & Tricks
- Always use at least 1 cup of liquid for the Instant Pot to come to pressure.
- Let the pressure release naturally for at least 10 minutes to keep meat juicy.
- Don't overcrowd the pot – cut pork into even chunks for uniform cooking.
- Searing first isn't required, but it adds flavor.
Pro Tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sear the Pork
Turn Instant Pot to Sauté (high). Add oil and half the pork. Sear until browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with remaining pork. This builds flavor.
2. Deglaze the Pot
Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits with a wooden spoon. This prevents a burn warning and adds flavor.
3. Add Seasonings
Stir in garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and vinegar. Add the pork back to the pot, tucking it into the liquid.
4. Pressure Cook
Lock the lid, set valve to sealing, and cook on HIGH pressure for 35 minutes for 2-inch chunks (see chart for other cuts). The pot will take about 10 minutes to come to pressure.
5. Natural Release
When done, let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining steam. This keeps the meat tender.
6. Rest and Serve
Carefully remove pork. If desired, shred with forks. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. The internal temp should be at least 145°F (63°C) for safety, but for shredding, aim for 200°F (93°C).
Delicious Variations
BBQ Pulled Pork
After cooking, toss with 1/2 cup BBQ sauce and serve on buns.
Carnitas-Style
Add 1 tsp oregano and 1 orange, juiced, with the broth. Crisp under broiler.
Sweet & Spicy
Add 2 tbsp honey and 1 tsp chili flakes for a kick.
How to Store Instant Pot Cooking Times For Pork
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container with some cooking liquid for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a saucepan with a splash of broth or in the microwave at 50% power.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Instant Pot cooking time for pork shoulder?
For 2-inch chunks of pork shoulder, cook on HIGH for 35 minutes. For a whole roast (3-4 lbs), cook 60-70 minutes. Always use natural release for tender results.
Q: Can I cook pork chops in the Instant Pot?
Yes. For 1-inch thick chops, cook on HIGH for 8 minutes with natural release. For bone-in, add 2 minutes. Always check internal temp reaches 145°F (63°C).
Q: How long for pork tenderloin?
For a 1-1.5 lb tenderloin, cook on HIGH for 15 minutes with natural release. Then let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
Q: Why is my pork tough in the Instant Pot?
Tough pork usually means undercooking or not enough time for collagen to break down. For shoulder, cook longer (35-70 min) and use natural release. For chops, avoid overcooking – they can dry out.
Q: Can I use frozen pork in the Instant Pot?
Yes, but add extra time: for frozen chunks, increase cook time by about 50%. Ensure liquid is at least 1 cup.
Ready to tame your Instant Pot? Try this recipe tonight and let me know how it goes! Share your results in the comments – I'd love to hear your favorite way to enjoy pork.
Instant Pot Cooking Times For Pork
Master Instant Pot pork cooking times for tender, juicy results every time. Includes a simple, foolproof recipe and pro tips.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2-3 lb (900g-1.4kg) pork shoulder (or butt), cut into 2-inch chunks
- 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp (2g) smoked paprika
- 1 tsp (2g) ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp (1g) salt
- 1/4 tsp (0.5g) black pepper
- 1 tbsp (15ml) apple cider vinegar
📋 Instructions
- 1Sear the Pork — Turn Instant Pot to Sauté (high). Add oil and half the pork. Sear until browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with remaining pork. This builds flavor.
- 2Deglaze the Pot — Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits with a wooden spoon. This prevents a burn warning and adds flavor.
- 3Add Seasonings — Stir in garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and vinegar. Add the pork back to the pot, tucking it into the liquid.
- 4Pressure Cook — Lock the lid, set valve to sealing, and cook on HIGH pressure for 35 minutes for 2-inch chunks (see chart for other cuts). The pot will take about 10 minutes to come to pressure.
- 5Natural Release — When done, let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining steam. This keeps the meat tender.
- 6Rest and Serve — Carefully remove pork. If desired, shred with forks. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. The internal temp should be at least 145°F (63°C) for safety, but for shredding, aim for 200°F (93°C).
